This examiner.com story originally ran Jan. 30, 2013. It is being re-run to offer encouragement to all those bowlers who find themselves frustrated because they’ve fallen into a slump. My message: Don’t get down. Just buckle down. Slumps don’t last forever. That’s why they’re called “slumps.” A slump is undoubtedly a temporary blip in your lifeline of bowling success.

Adrienne Roseberry was milling around the lanes after bowling in the “Guys and Dolls” League on Tuesday night at AMF Woodlake Lanes in Woodland Hills when she encountered a friend.

“How did things go?” she asked.

“Well, I bowled horribly,” the middle-aged man replied. “Really bad. I bowled in the 160s during the summer and now I’m always in the 150s – or worse. I’m ready to quit.”

Adrienne listened disbelievingly and her friend continued.

“I’m really frustrated,” he said. “I’ve really lost it. We lost all our games [tonight] because of me. The magic is all gone.

“I’m really ready to quit,” he repeated.

Adrienne, a Simi Valley resident whose teams have won several league bowling titles, tried to provide counsel. She stressed that bowling is more than scores. She cited all the social benefits and other reasons to stay with the sport.

After bowling in leagues for 40 years or so, Adrienne knows a thing or two about the sport’s appeal. She currently bowls twice a week and also oversees a small poker competition at one of the leagues.

Adrienne’s friend nodded in agreement and left. But Adrienne, who has boosted her average two pins to 142 this season, did not believe her friend had seen the light.

So she followed up her brief talk with an email to her friend.

It was titled, “Change Your Attitude.”

“Most of us bowling are there for fun and being with the people, not trying to become professionals,” read Adrienne’s letter.“Most of us are single, living alone and not dating or unhappily married and need to be around people.

“If you win, it’s even better. If not, let it roll off your back.

“And don’t get too emotional about it. Yes, it’s a competition and a challenge is good for you.”

Did Adrienne’s friend take her wise words to heart?It turns out he did. He’s looking forward to bowling the following week and has decided not to hang up his bowling shoes.

At least not yet.

The slump-ridden bowler has vowed to smile more next week – good scores or bad.

Share this article

Fred Eisenhammer is a striking example of a true bowling aficionado. He bowls in a league and even watches bowling on television. He is a former sportswriter who has written three books and has worked as a copy editor and news editor at the Los Angeles Times. Contact Fred at fred.eisenhammer@yahoo.com.